Macquarie Leasing and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation
(CEFC) are behind a push to accelerate the use of electric vehicles
in Australia through a new $100 million asset finance program.

The program offers a 0.7 per cent discount on finance for
electric vehicles, as well as plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and
a range of eligible energy efficient and renewable energy
equipment. Customers who choose eligible lower emissions passenger
vehicles can also benefit from the program, with a 0.5 per cent
finance discount.

CEFC CEO Ian Learmonth said the Macquarie Leasing program was an
important extension of the CEFC's ongoing efforts to embed clean
energy solutions across the economy.

"Through similar programs with other financiers, we have already
helped businesses, consumers and farmers invest in more than 2,000
energy efficient, low emissions and renewable energy projects,
valued at more than $250 million," Mr Learmonth said.

"By making this discounted CEFC finance available through major
financiers such as Macquarie Leasing, we are making it easier for
Australians to prioritise clean energy options when they make major
investment decisions.

"Clean energy technologies are developing quickly, and become
more cost effective as they reach scale. By supporting the more
widespread adoption of exciting clean energy solutions, such as
electric vehicles, we can accelerate the decarbonisation of our
economy."

Vehicles represent one of Australia's fastest growing sources of
emissions. However the increased use of electric vehicles,
especially when linked with renewable electricity sources, can make
a significant contribution to emissions reduction.

ClimateWorks estimates Australia can reduce carbon emissions by
around 9 million tonnes by 2030 through the increased use of
electric vehicles, coupled with the ongoing decarbonisation of the
electricity grid. The potential emissions savings swell to 27
million tonnes by 2050.

The Macquarie Leasing program extends to new energy efficient
vehicles and equipment, as well as rooftop solar and battery
storage. Investment in equipment to upgrade the energy efficiency
of buildings, such as energy efficient lighting, building
management systems and better air conditioning, will also benefit
from the discounted finance.

CEFC modelling is targeting carbon savings of more than 200,000
tonnes of carbon emissions over the life of the program.

Jon Moodie, Head of Macquarie Leasing, said: "We are delighted
to be working with the CEFC on this program and to be providing an
extra level of support to individuals and businesses seeking to
make their own contribution to reducing carbon emissions through
their choice of vehicle and other equipment."

Macquarie Leasing will initially make the discounted finance
available to customers through its existing relationships with car
manufacturers. Customers will receive a discount to Macquarie
Leasing's standard interest rate when they enter into arrangements
to hire or lease or finance the purchase of vehicles that satisfy
the criteria for qualifying contracts.

CEFC transaction lead Bobby Vidakovic said: "By working with
financiers like Macquarie Leasing, which has a well-established
market presence, we are able to offer Australians further
opportunities to take advantage of proven clean energy technologies
to reduce their energy consumption and, for businesses, to improve
their competitiveness through energy efficient practices.

"We are also encouraging the increased use of electric vehicles,
and providing finance to support the accelerated rollout of the
necessary charging infrastructure. By switching to more energy
efficient vehicles, businesses and individuals are contributing to
better environmental outcomes through reduced carbon emissions.

"Property owners are finding that, depending on the age and
inefficiency of equipment being replaced, they can make substantial
cuts to their energy consumption by replacing lighting,
air-conditioning and installing rooftop solar and building
management systems."

The CEFC finance for the Macquarie Leasing program is another
example of its focus on reducing transport-related emissions
through its Sustainable Cities Investment
Program, which supports projects and programs that contribute
to the energy productivity of Australia's cities and regions.

ABOUT MACQUARIE LEASING

Since 1998, Macquarie Leasing has provided the Australian market
with innovative motor vehicle, plant and equipment finance
solutions. Macquarie Leasing finances a wide range of motor
vehicles and equipment originating through brokers, dealers, salary
packagers and direct to customers. Macquarie Leasing is a
subsidiary of Macquarie Bank Limited. www.macquarie.com